The Scottish Book Trust offer a range of suggestions and strategies to support your child with their reading. Please see the link for further details:
May 17, 2016
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May 15, 2016
by Mrs Brown
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Primary 4 and the Flatworm Dilemma
Planting seeds in our classroom we spotted a worm in the compost. Several children knew that earthworms are good for the soil but this one was different. It was a flatworm and Mrs Brown knew that might be a problem.
An Invading Species
Unfortunately this type of flatworm eats earthworms. We discovered that these flatworms came from New Zealand in plants years ago and spread through parts of Scotland reducing the numbers of earthworms. What were we to do with it?
Research
We found different websites which gave different advice so we sent texts to three experts. The gardener, a sweet ex nursery teacher said, “They should be killed.” Our Environment expert, Mrs Stewart, also did some research on line and said maybe not such a problem as was first thought. An Population Zoologist said, “It is difficult to teach children about invading species and respect for nature. The children went home and asked if there were other flatworms in the area and apparently there are in several places.
RME
The children all considered what they knew, thought and believed and we realised this was a decision we had to make with our hearts as well as our heads. Some children were clear that the responsible thing to do was to kill it. Others hoped to train it to eat flowers, others wanted to get a hedgehog to eat it and one passionate response was, “Keep it for a week and learn about it!”
Science
We then did a survey of the playground and found 7 more flatworms and 50 earthworms. The children spent time comparing and contrasting the species which we kept apart. We returned the earthworms in compost to an area of the playground where there were no flat worms and the soil needed some improvement. It is quite likely that it got into our open compost bag over the winter in the playground and returning it to the same place would make little difference to the environment. The flatworms were returned to the flower bed in the car park which has little soil and no sign of earthworms. It is near to where the first one was found but not connected to other soil. It is under our Green Flag which the children felt was fitting. We are not sure what happened next but half an hour later there was a very happy magpie on the fence.
May 9, 2016
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UNICEF Day for Change
A huge thank you to all our children who supported the recent UNICEF ‘Dress in Blue’ day last Friday. Our funds from the dress down day and over the course of that week amount to £178.90! Well done everyone – remember to keep bringing in your loose change.
April 14, 2016
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Touch Rugby
Our P6 children will shortly be participating in a touch rugby cluster event at Livingston Rugby Club. Livingston Rugby Club have provided some further information for those who are interested in developing new skills or taking up a new hobby.
March 24, 2016
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Club Golf
Just a reminder that club golf sessions are available at Houston Driving Range and Oatridge Golf Course starting on 12 April until 17 May 2016 from 5-6 pm. This 6 week block which starts at Houston Driving Range costs £35. Application forms are available from the school office or contact Andrew Marshall at Houston Driving Range on 07890 453740.
March 23, 2016
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Gymnastics Club
The Deans Cluster Gymnastics Club will continue to run. Please find additional information in the attached file.
March 23, 2016
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Sponsored Basketball Shoot
Well done to Liam Massie for undertaking the challenge over the course of the last few days, where he managed to score a very impressive 1036 baskets! Thank you to all who supported Liam in this event. The winner was Jenna Rafferty with a very close guess of 1026!
March 22, 2016
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West Lothian Faith Group
West Lothian Faith Group launched their handbook in January 2015. This handbook offers an understanding of the different faith traditions within West Lothian. This handbook has just been updated to include even more useful information. This handbook can be found on the West Lothian Community Planning Partnership website: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/6339/West-Lothian-Faith-Handbook/pdf/West_Lothian_Faith_Handbook_(March_2016_Update).pdf
March 20, 2016
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End of term news
On Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm, we will be attending our end of term service at the church. In this regard, we would like to thank all our volunteers who are coming to walk to and from the church with the children. We would be delighted if you were able to join us to celebrate with the children.
On Wednesday evening, our Parent Council have organised a family fun night, starting at 6 pm. This is a completely free event. There will be a ‘bunny drive’ followed by a quiz. Refreshments will be available during the break. There are fun prizes and a raffle draw on the evening. Come along and join in the fun!
March 14, 2016
by Mrs Scobie
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P1/2 Celebrate World Book Day
P1/2 had a great time dressing up as different characters from books. In class they drew pictures of characters and wrote about them. They also enjoying listening to different stories throughout the morning
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